Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible earlywood and latewood bands frequently displaying a cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light yellowish-brown to a deep reddish-brown. Sapwood is typically narrow and light yellowish-white. It tends to darken or redden with exposure to light and age.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack, especially when used in ground contact.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, utility poles, flooring, millwork, cabinetry, and plywood veneer.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily from the Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $1.50 to $4.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain vs. Construction Grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 0-10 years old; shows rough-milled industrial edges typical of contemporary construction materials.
Sustainability Status
Generally very sustainable; widely available, managed through FSC certification, and not listed on CITES or IUCN endangered lists.
Workability
Works well with most tools, though it can be prone to splintering or tearing out due to the density difference between earlywood and latewood bands. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for its high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods; high resin content can sometimes cause 'bleeding' through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, polyurethane, or latex-based paints. A sealer/washcoat is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying based on the reddish-orange hue, prominent growth rings characteristic of gymnosperms, and the rough-milled texture typical of construction-grade fir/larch lumber.